Nashville Hot Chicken in Lincoln Park

On another lunch break to Butcher and the Burger , I saw from out the window a tempting “Hot Chicken” sign across the street. Nashville-style hot chicken is something I have only seen on television, and KFC commercials - but that does not count. Thus, I made myself a promise to go back to that block on Armitage and see for myself if I could take the heat at The Budlong .

First, let me tell you the good things about this place. Upon entering the atmosphere is something of the South, or just not Chicago at least. White picnic tables, mason jars, and red paisley bandanas as napkins all contribute to the homey feel of this place. Second, the menu is not extensive at all, which I kind of like because who wants to look through a Cheesecake Factory menu? Simply put, this place does chicken and just about only chicken.

There are other southern comforts like slaw, cornbread, beans, biscuits with jam, and alike. The bad thing about this place, I must admit, is the price. Eleven dollars for a chicken sandwich is crazy to me, but I can justify the price by its taste and supporting a local small business. That chicken sandwich can be made with no sauce, classic sauce, hot or x-hot sauce. Served on a brioche bun with pickles and slaw, this is one of the best chicken sandwiches I could have asked for. I got the hot finish for the chicken, to which the heat does creep on you after a bit - to the point where you’ll be asking for water refills. I vow that I will return to Budlong to try their chicken pieces with some sweet tea… after my next paycheck.